RWCC Minutes & Agenda
Republican Women of Champaign County September 27, 2021 Minutes:
Joan Dykstra called the meeting to order at 5:33 pm. Joan Dykstra gave the invocation and led in the Pledge of Allegiance. The meeting took place at the Champaign Public Library. Ten people attended, with two more members attending via Zoom. Approval of Minutes from August 23, 2021: Sherry Steigmann moved, and Peggy Prichard seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
Treasurer’s Report: Betty Zeedyk reported that we have 30 paying members and $2,085 in our account, after membership dues paid to the state and federal organizations. Linda Yoakum reported that she received confirmation that RWCC is officially federated with NFRW. Guest speaker via Zoom: Joan introduced Demetra DeMonte, Illinois Republican National Committeewoman for an update from the RNC. Demetra spoke about the renewed enthusiasm in the party.
She discussed candidates who are running nationally and specifically mentioned Esther Joy King (IL‐17). She discussed better outreach with Blacks, Hispanics, and other minorities. During a lengthy discussion about voter integrity, she said 19 federal lawsuits are currently pending. Linda mentioned a Republican GOP Election Integrity Caucus. Discussion followed regarding irregularities within the Champaign County Clerk’s office and how the party might address them.
Outreach: Betty Zeedyk explained the Canteen Run collection project and our Veterans Day thank‐you card project. Betty will bring cards to sign at October’s meeting. Fall Festival Recap: Peggy Prichard said there were approximately 250 attendants. Ty Smith was a popular speaker ($200 fee). Need more info? Upcoming meetings and events:
Next meeting will be at 5:30 pm on October 25, 2021, Jupiter's at the crossing. There was consensus that the RWCC participate in a combined December meeting with other local GOP groups. Save the Date: Nov. 13, 2021‐IFRW Biennial Convention, Springfield, IL. Free to all paid RWCC members.
Meeting adjourned at 7:10 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Joan Dykstra RWCC Secretary
October 25, Meeting Agenda:
- Call meeting to order
- Invocation
- Pledge of Allegiance
- Treasurer's report
- Membership update: Betty
- Old Business
- Approve Minutes from September 27, 2021 meeting
- Canteen run: collection for those without an address
- IFRW Convention Registration is open: free to RWCC members
- Logo update
- New Business
- Veteran’s Day Update ‐ Betty
- December 1, 2021 CCGOP Fundraiser‐ Peggy/Kelli: Two paid RWCC Members in attendance will have a chance to receive a Ticket to the Fundraiser [drawing to take place at the end of the meeting]
- Adopt A Highway – Joan [Saturday, November 6, 2021; 9:00 am meet at Applebee’s in Savoy]
Guest Speaker: Don Tracy‐ Chairman IL GOP o Addressing Election integrity in Illinois and Champaign County
Don Tracy is the Chairman of the Illinois Republican Party. Elected to the post in February of 2021, Chairman Tracy’’s top priority has been to unite and grow the Illinois Republican Party by advancing our message of anti‐corruption, fiscal sanity, lower taxes, economic growth, and support for law and order.
Don is a businessman and lawyer from Springfield – and serves as the first ILGOP Chairman from downstate Illinois since 1988. He was born in Illinois and raised in rural Mt. Sterling (Brown County, IL), the oldest of twelve children. Don and his eleven siblings own the successful family business, Dot Foods, Inc., the nation’s largest redistributor of food and related products, and other national businesses. Headquartered in Mt. Sterling (population: 2,025), Dot Foods, Inc. was founded in 1960 by Don’s father and currently employs 6,000 people across the United States and Canada.